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There are many ways to improve the energy efficiency of a home. No matter what someone’s budget is, there is always an option that can improve the way someone uses energy in their home. It really just comes down to what someone is looking for and how much money they want to invest.

Insulation

This is probably the very best way anyone can save money on energy consumption throughout the year. Insulation is going to go a long way in extending the life of the siding and roof of the house as well as reducing the cost of appliances and the HVAC system inside of the house. There are different ways someone can install new insulation. They can have it air blown into the sides of the house, plus they can also use a spray foam insulation which is especially effective. No matter what the home owner decides to go with, there is an option

New Roof

This is probably the costliest option available, but it also makes a big difference. Roofing the home again adds value to the house but it also helps prevent treated air from escaping through the roof. Along with insulation, this is a big method for cutting down the cost of energy consumption throughout the year.

Weather Stripping

Not everyone is able to afford installing a new roof on their home or blowing insulation into the siding of their house. It doesn’t mean there are not options available though. Weather stripping breaks down around windows and doors, causing air to come in from the outside or to escape from the inside. This is something that just about anyone can do as there are weather stripping options available at most stores. It is a cheap and effective way to improve the energy efficiency of the home.

Windows

Speaking of windows, glass is one of the least energy efficient materials around. While having large windows is great for letting in sunlight, it is bad news when it comes to energy efficiency. That is why a home owner needs to consider investing in new windows. A double pained window is a nice start, but there are even triple paned options. This significantly cuts down any sort of energy loss through the glass, and while it is more expensive, this upgrade is going to pay for itself both in the increase in home value and the reduction of energy used.

Saving energy is not just the smart and responsible thing to do, it can also save money. There are many ways to save energy. Here are a few:

1) Buy Energy Star products
When it’s time to replace an appliance or a piece of electronic equipment, buy something with the Energy Star logo on it. Items carrying the blue Energy Star logo have been certified by the EPA as using 20 to 30 percent less energy than required by federal standards. It is now even possible to buy buildings with the Energy Star label.

2) Recycle everything you can
There are many more options for recycling than there used to be. Some communities have single-stream recycling, in which the homeowner doesn’t have to sort their recyclables but puts everything in a special blue trash can to be picked up. It’s the people at the recycling center who do the sorting. Additionally, more things than ever can be recycled. Some electronics companies like Best Buy offer recycling services. When you buy a new computer from them, they’ll take the old one off your hands.

3) Get CFL or LED lights
If you haven’t already, replace any incandescent lights you have with compact fluorescent lights (CFL) or light- emitting diodes (LED). CFLs last about 10 times longer than do conventional bulbs and use about a quarter of the energy. LEDs are admittedly expensive, but they last about 25 times longer than do conventional bulbs. That means when you buy an LED, it will be years before you have to replace it. If you can’t replace all your lights at once, start with the ones you use the most. CFLs can be found at any place that sells incandescent bulbs. LEDs are a bit harder to track down, but they can be found at Home Depot.

4) Have an energy audit done
In an energy audit or home energy assessment, a professional will examine the building and look for the areas that use or waste the most energy. They will look for things like leaks, old and inefficient appliances, aging insulation, and so forth. At the end, they will advise you on what changes need to be made to make the building more energy efficient. The local utility company may provide energy audits. The Residential Energy Service Network can also help find an energy auditor.

5) Take care of your water heater
Heating water accounts for about 18 percent of the average utility bill, and the water heater uses more electricity than any other appliance. Set the thermostat to 120 degrees to get comfortably hot water. Insulate the tank and the first six feet of pipe connected to the tank. Water heaters generally last about 10 or 15 years, but you should start looking for replacements if it’s seven years old or more. The newer models are simply more efficient.

6) Consider getting renewable energy
Local, state, and federal governments offer a variety financial incentives to people who buy solar panels. Some solar companies offer leases to people. With a solar lease, the company installs the solar panels on a client’s residence — but the company still owns them. The customer pays rent for the use of the panels. Some states have Ethical Electric, an energy company that buys electricity produced by solar and wind farms and then distributes it through utility companies.

7) Seal air leaks
A leaky building wastes energy, and a quick way to stop that waste and save money is to seal the leaks. Leaks are often found at doors, windows, attics, ducts, outlets, and plumbing fixtures. Seal any that you find.

The advantages of solar power are not purely cosmetic. Solar energy can power your home when the sun is shining, but solar power can create a long-lasting equilibrium in your home that saves money. The three advantages listed below show how a solar energy system at your home can change your life.

#1: Solar Tax Credits

You can install solar panels at any time, and you receive tax credits for doing these installations. These installations are noted on your tax return, and you will be able to cut into your tax liability for that year. This is a one time credit, but it is something that helps you save a little money when the panels are put in.

#2: Massive Amounts Of Energy

Solar energy systems are more powerful than ever. They are capable of collecting more than enough energy during the day to keep your home running at night. Engineers and scientists are researching ways to store all this energy, and you may be able to keep stores of energy on your property in the future. Storing energy in the future will allow you to protect your family from long periods of overcast weather, major weather events and disasters in your area.

#3: Sell The Energy Back

Most people that install solar panels on their property will be able to participate in a profit-sharing program with their local energy provider. Energy providers are always looking for ways to add power to their systems, and you can become a partner with the electric company. All the excess power that your panels produce can be sold back to the power company at the end of the month. You will receive a monthly check because the solar panels are always at work, and you will have some extra income as long as the sun is shining.

Your choice to install solar panels at your house will allow you to produce your own energy during the year. You can make money by selling energy back to the power company, and you will be able to store this energy one day. You might have put off installing solar panels, but these panels are more attractive than ever.